A
country mouse invited his cousin who lived in the city to come visit
him. The city mouse was so disappointed with the sparse meal which was
nothing more than a few kernels of corn and a couple of dried berries.

"My
poor cousin," said the city mouse, "you hardly have anything
to eat! I do believe that an ant could eat better! Please do come to
the city and visit me, and I will show you such rich feasts, readily
available for the taking."

So the
country mouse left with his city cousin who brought him to a splendid
feast in the city's alley. The country mouse could not believe his eyes.
He had never seen so much food in one place. There was bread, cheese,
fruit, cereals, and grains of all sorts scattered about in a warm cozy
portion of the alley.

The two
mice settled down to eat their wonderful dinner, but before they barely
took their first bites, a cat approached their dining area. The two
mice scampered away and hid in a small uncomfortable hole until the
cat left. Finally, it was quiet, and the unwelcome visitor went to prowl
somewhere else. The two mice ventured out of the hole and resumed their
abundant feast. Before they could get a proper taste in their mouth,
another visitor intruded on their dinner, and the two little mice had
to scuttle away quickly.

"Goodbye,"
said the country mouse, "You do, indeed, live in a plentiful city,
but I am going home where I can enjoy my dinner in peace."

____________________________________

A modest
life with peace and quiet is better than a richly one with danger
and strife.